Modular Portable Energy System

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to an alternative power generation system, comprising a portable electricity harvesting device for generating electrical power, a power unit coupled to said portable electricity harvesting device including circuitry for processing electrical power generated by said portable electricity harvesting device and storing said electrical power in a battery within said power unit, and a plurality of distribution components in electrical communication with said power unit and a plurality of devices to be electrically powered.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of, and claims the benefit ofpriority to, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/686,565, filed Apr. 14,2015, which is a divisional of, and claims the benefit of priority to,U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/360,162, filed Jan. 27, 2012, nowU.S. Pat. No. 9,006,940, which claims the benefit of U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application Ser. No. 61/462,074, filed on Jan. 28, 2011, theentire disclosures of which are all expressly incorporated by referenceherein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to the field of energyproduction and distribution. More specifically, the present inventionrelates to a modular portable energy system (or kit) that can be easilytransported and set up to generate electrical power in a variety ofenvironments.

Related Art

Renewable energy is an important and growing field, particularly inconnection with solar energy. Various systems have been implemented toharness solar energy, including solar panels installed on roofs and inother locations. However, many current solar panel applications are noteasily transportable. Indeed, such systems are often large andcumbersome to set up, and are not user-friendly. Additionally, existingsolar energy systems are often not intended for personal use, nor arethey easily attachable or removable from permanent and/or temporarystructures.

Flexible solar panel technology is known in the art. However, suchsystems are often deployed as “pass-through” systems, such that energyis not stored locally, i.e., at or near the point of generation.Further, such systems do not include adequate circuitry for balancingaccumulated power. Moreover, known flexible solar panel systems are“stand alone” and isolated units without complex distribution systemsthat can send electrical energy to multiple appliances at once. Further,other flexible panel systems don't offer lightweight, high-wattageenergy to power appliances for different environmental needs, i.e.,survival, recreational, military, communication, etc.

Moreover, in view of existing technology in this field, what would bedesirable is a system, or kit, that generates solar energy, and which iseasily collapsible and transportable. Further, what would be desirableis the use of such a system with power generating and harvestingtechnologies, as well as in connection with other advantageous devicesand/or applications, such as in connection with personal power systems,portable shelters, as well as other alternate energy sources. Evenfurther, it would be desirable to create a scalable network of suchenergy systems capable of communicating with each other, such as bywireless technology, and sharing and allocating power to meet variouselectrical consumption needs. Accordingly, what would be desirable, buthas not yet been provided, is a modular portable energy system whichaddresses the foregoing needs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to modular portable energy systems andassociated equipment. In a first embodiment, the modular portable energysystem is in the form of a personal solar kit that includes a flexiblesolar panel, a power module in electrical communication with theflexible solar panel, one or more appliance kits in electricalcommunication with the power module via one or more distributioncomponents, and a carrying unit of a sufficient size to contain at leastone of the power module, the one or more distribution components, andthe one or more appliance kits. The carrying unit can have manydifferent shapes and sizes, and could be tubular in shape and comprisesa central subcontainer positioned between a bottom subcontainer and atop subcontainer. The carrying unit could also be much larger, such as asuitcase. Additionally, a carrying retainer having an integral handlecan be provided, and wrapped around the flexible solar panel to retainsame for storage/transportation. The flexible solar panel could befoldable and tent poles could be utilized to support the flexible solarpanel when in use.

In a second embodiment, the modular portable energy system comprises aportable shelter system with power generation capabilities comprising aportable and collapsible (or popup) structure having a top portion and asolar panel system attached to the top portion of the structure. Theportable structure may be in the form of a tent, umbrella, gazebo,awning, lean-to, lamp, etc., and could have one or more power accesspoints dispersed throughout, with each access point in electricalcommunication with the solar panel system. The solar panel system couldbe removably attached to the top portion or embedded in the fabric ofthe top portion, or at other locations. Specifically, the solar panelsystem could comprise a unitary removable solar attachment, or aplurality of flexible radially arrayed flexible solar panels suspendedfrom a support frame, configured to correspond to the geometry of thetop portion of the portable structure. A carrying unit of sufficientsize to contain the structure and the solar panel system can beprovided.

In a third embodiment, the modular portable energy system comprises analternative power generation system that includes a transducer and/orhuman electricity harvesting device for generating electrical power. Apower unit is coupled to the transducer or harvesting device and hascircuitry for processing the electrical power generated and storing theelectrical power in a battery within the power unit. The system couldalso include a plurality of distribution components in electricalcommunication with the power unit and a plurality of devices to beelectrically powered, such as wireless devices, video, kitchenappliances, light, cellphone, or a battery charger.

In a fourth embodiment, the modular portable energy system comprises athin, multi-layered solar power generation device and includes asubstrate, a first layer formed on the substrate including batteryelectronics therein, a second layer formed on the first layer includinga circuit having power electronics therein, and a third layer formed onthe second layer including photovoltaic materials for generatingelectricity. The layers could be laminated, printed using conductiveinks, and/or have interstitial wiring in between.

In a fifth embodiment, the modular portable energy system comprises anenergy network system where any of the previous embodiments could benetworked to share power amongst a plurality of power consuming devices.Each system in the network could have a power module or the entirenetwork could have one power module shared among the systems. Any of theprevious embodiments could further comprise wireless devices inelectrical communication with the system. Also, any of the previousembodiments could be used with one or more appliance kits in electricalcommunication with the system via distribution components.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing features of the invention will be apparent from thefollowing Detailed Description of the Invention, taken in connectionwith the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a first embodiment of the modular portableenergy system comprising a personal solar kit;

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the personal solar kit 10 of FIG. 1 ingreater detail;

FIG. 3 is an electrical schematic showing electrical components of thepower module of FIGS. 1-2;

FIGS. 4A-4C are views showing the personal solar kit 10 in greaterdetail, including a carrying retainer with an integral handle with apouch;

FIGS. 5A-5C are views showing the power module and power distributioncomponents of FIGS. 1-2 in greater detail;

FIGS. 6A-8D are views showing the personal solar kit of the presentinvention in greater detail;

FIGS. 9-15F are views showing various possible configurations of asecond embodiment of the present invention, which provides a portableshelter system with power generation capabilities;

FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating various configurations of a thirdembodiment of the present invention, wherein alternative powergeneration systems are provided;

FIGS. 17A-17D are views of various wireless devices, human electricityharvesting technology, and transducers capable of being used with thepresent invention;

FIGS. 18A-18C are diagrams of a fourth embodiment of the presentinvention, wherein a multi-layered solar power generation device isprovided; and

FIGS. 19-20 are views of a fifth embodiment of the present invention,wherein an energy network system is provided and can be used with any ofthe previous embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a modular portable energy system, asdiscussed in detail below in connection with FIGS. 1-21.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a first embodiment of the modular portableenergy system comprising a personal solar kit 10. As shown, the personalsolar kit 10 includes a carrying unit 12 containing a flexible solarpanel 14, a power module 16, one or more distribution components 18(e.g., a plurality, for example, of 5-15), and one or more appliancekits 20. In use, the flexible solar panel 14 generates electrical energystored in the power module 16 which is connected to, and provides powerto, one or more appliance kits 20 via one or more distributioncomponents 18. As discussed in greater detail below, the power module 16includes a rechargeable battery (charged by the flexible solar panel 14)and associated power electronics operating at and providing, forexample, but not limited to, 12 volts of electricity.

FIG. 2 is a more detailed diagram of the personal solar kit 10 of FIG. 1showing the flexible solar panel 14 connected to a solar panel input 22of the power module 16. Appliance kits 20 are in communication with adistribution component output 24 of the power module 16 via distributioncomponents 18, where the power module is capable of providing, forexample, 12 volts of electricity. The power module has a modularexpansion port 26 for connecting to other systems 10 to create a networkof such systems, as later shown and described in more detail.

FIG. 3 shows a circuit 27 of power module 16 of FIGS. 1-2 including thesolar panel input 22, the distribution component output 24, and themodular connection port 26. As shown, the circuit 27 includes arechargeable lithium-ion polymer battery 28 a which operates at about 4Amperes/hour and about 12-16.8 volts, provide about 13 watts, and befully charged when the flexible solar panel is exposed to the sun forabout 12 hours. Additionally, if two or more units are connectedtogether, the total wattage output could be increased (e.g., if sixpower modules are networked together the total output would be in thearea of approximately 98 watts). Of course any suitable battery 28 acould be used, such as lithium-ion, alkaline, nickel-cadmium, and nickelmetal hydride. Additionally, the operating parameters provided are onlyexemplary and the battery 28 a could operate at any other suitableparameter. The battery stores power during time periods of little or nosunlight, or when a system's power generation is greater than the poweruse.

The circuit 27 also comprises a volt meter 28 b displaying wattage,amperage, and/or other electrical parameters, and is analog or digital.Further, the circuit 27 comprises a number of electronic components,discrete and/or integrated, including diodes 28 c, 28 d, a potentiometer28 e, comparators 28 f, 28 g, transistors 28 h, 28 i, and resistors 28j. Such electronic components could include a 12 volt Fairchildsemiconductor Zener diode 28 c, a 16.8 volt Vishay Siliconix Zener diode28 d, Linear Technology micropower dual comparators 28 f, 28 g, highvoltage and/or low voltage analog switch power metal-oxide-semiconductorfield-effect transistors (MOSFET), and a 1000 Ohm resistor 28 j. Asthese electronic components are only exemplary, any manufacturer orsuitable type of diode, comparator, transistor, or resistor could beused, and additionally, the specifications of such components could bevaried as desired.

The power module 16 and circuit 27 can perform one or more of thefollowing functions: control uniform, fast, and safe charging of thebattery; cycle the display of state of charge of the battery; detect andprevent overcharging; enable user selectable display of LEDs; detectminimum allowed battery voltage and prevent discharge below that level;detect overheating during both charge and discharge cycles; disablebattery charging when heat or charge levels are inconsistent withbattery specifications; change solar panel voltages to match batterymodule charging requirements and appliance discharge requirements;prevent damage to solar panel by preventing excessive current backflow;and prevent excessive current between power modules. Additionally, thepower module could utilize meters and LEDs to display information, suchas by using LEDs to display the state of charge of the battery.

Shown in FIGS. 4A-4C are views of the personal solar kit 10 in greaterdetail. FIG. 4A depicts the flexible solar panel 14 and power module 16of the present invention. The flexible solar panel 14 rolls up into acompact cylindrical shape. Examples of flexible solar panels 14 thatcould be used with the present invention include those provided byKonarka, Ascent, UniSolar, or PowerFilm, or any other suitablemanufacturer. It is also anticipated that the flexible solar panel 14could be rigid or foldable, such as those provided by SunForce,PowerFilm, or Brunton. As shown in FIGS. 4B-4C, the flexible solar panel14 could be rolled up and secured within a carrying retainer 30 having ahandle 32, where the carrying retainer 30 is wrapped around the flexiblesolar panel 14. The carrying retainer 30 could include a pouch to holdthe distribution components 18, and a canister 34 could also beprovided. For example, the flexible solar panel 14 is made of weatherproof Power Plastic, bendable to a two inch radius, 27×44 inches, 0.97pounds, produces up to 22 volts, 0.8 amps, and 13 watts under a fullbright sun and no load. Of course, other panels could be used, ifdesired.

FIGS. 5A-5C are views showing the power module 16 and power distributioncomponents 18 in greater detail. FIGS. 5A-5B show the power module 16with distribution component output 24 and distribution components 18connected thereto, where the power module 16 provides, for example, 12volts of electricity. FIG. 5C shows a variety of appliance kits 20connected to the distribution components 18. As shown, the distributioncomponents 18 of FIG. 1 include USB hub 36, 12 volt socket adapter 38,cabling expansion 42, and 12 volt socket/USB combination power hub 44.Also as shown, appliance kits 20 of FIG. 1 include a light 40, cellphone46, a smartphone 48, a battery charger 50, a tablet computer 52, and afan 54. Of course, other appliances could be provided, depending uponthe application, e.g., survival, recreation, military, or technologicalapplications. The power module could be of various sizes depending onthe type of usage required, such as heavy duty, medium duty, orlightweight. For example, an ultra-lightweight kit could providesufficient power for 3 days, a lightweight kit could provide power for10 days, and a midweight kit could provide power for 3 weeks.

Shown in FIGS. 6A-8D are various embodiments of the personal solar kitwith carrying unit 12 or carrying retainer 30. The carrying unit couldbe waterproof and made of nylon or other suitable material. The sizes ofthe carrying unit 12 will depend on the length of the trip and thenumber of appliance kits 20, and any other materials that may berequired. In one embodiment, the system, as shown in FIG. 6A, includes alightweight pouch 56, which may be best suited for daily use or shorttrips. Shown in FIG. 6B are further embodiments of the personal solarkit comprising a computer case 57 a or backpack 57 b, which are intendedfor longer trips and to store appliances kits 20 or other supplies.

Referring to FIGS. 7A-7B, one embodiment of the carrying unit is shown,although the figures are not to scale and are for illustrative purposesonly. The carrying unit 57 c comprises solar panel subcompartment 58containing flexible solar panel 14, power module subcompartment 59containing power module 16, distribution component subcompartment 60containing distribution components 18, appliance kit subcompartments 62containing appliance kits 20, as well as other subcompartments 64 forgeneral usage. The carrying unit 57 also comprises a retractable handle66. This carrying unit 57 is larger than the lightweight pouch 56 andthus can hold more material and appliance kits 20 for longer trips.

Referring to FIGS. 8A-8D, another embodiment of the carrying unit isshown. As shown in FIG. 8A, a duffel bag 122, or any other suitablecontainer, could be used with the carrying unit 112 to hold extradistribution components 18, appliance kits 20, or any other componentsor devices. As shown generally in the assembled view of FIG. 8B and theexploded view of FIG. 8C, the carrying unit 112 is tubular in shape andcomprises a strap 114 and a central subcontainer 116 positioned betweena top subcontainer 118 and a bottom subcontainer 120. The carrying unit112 and subcontainers 116, 118, and 120 contain a flexible solar panel14, power module 16, socket splitter 40, electrical wire 76, plug 78,and a variety of components for supporting and positioning the flexiblesolar panel, such as industrial Velcro 68, cord 70, ground stakes 72,and poles 74. FIG. 8D is a general view of the carrying unit 112comprised of subcompartments 113 a-113 h which contain and organizevarious components and devices of the present invention.

Turning now to FIGS. 9-15F, the second embodiment of the presentinvention, relating to a portable shelter system with power generationcapabilities, will now be described.

Referring to FIG. 9, shown generally is the portable shelter system 124with power generation capabilities comprising carrying unit 125containing portable structure 126, solar panel system 127, power module128, and appliance kits 129. The portable shelter system 124 has variouspossible configurations that include a variety of portable andcollapsible (or popup) structures, such as umbrellas, tents, awnings,and lean-tos.

FIG. 10A-10D show unitary removable solar attachments 132, 142configured to match the geometry of a top of a portable structure suchas a lamp or an umbrella. The top of the portable structure is one of avariety of shapes, such as a square, hexagon, or octagon. The unitarysolar attachments 132, 142 are preferably a flexible copper solar panel,although other materials, including more rigid materials, could be used.When used with a lamp 134, as in FIG. 11A, the solar attachment 132would preferably charge a battery during the day, which would then powerthe lamp 134 at night.

FIGS. 10B-10D show a portable shelter system 150 with power generationcapabilities, comprising a unitary solar attachment 142 used with anumbrella comprising a top 152, a pole 154, and a stand 156. A powermodule 144 could be located within the stand 156 and connected to thesolar attachment 142 via wiring 158 running from the stand 156 throughthe interior of the pole 154 and to the top 152. The umbrella couldcomprise one or more power access points 160, or power outlets,dispersed throughout allowing a user to connect and power an electronicdevice. The umbrella is collapsible (or popup) and thereby easilytransportable with the solar attachment 142. As a result, the portableshelter system 150 and umbrella may be part of a kit 146 which includesa carrying case 148 capable of housing the solar attachment 142 and atleast parts of the umbrella, among other things.

FIG. 11A-11B is a portable shelter system 161 with power generationcapabilities comprising a removable solar attachment 166 having aplurality of flexible solar panels 168 radially arrayed and suspendedfrom a support frame 170. The support frame 170 is rigid or flexible andconfigured to fit the top 152 of an umbrella. The unitary solarattachment 142 of FIGS. 10A-10D could be used in combination with theradially arrayed solar attachment 166. As with the previous embodiments,the solar attachment 166 could be part of a kit 162 comprising acarrying case 164. The solar attachment 166 could have any number ofsolar panels and be one of a variety of shapes, such as a square solarattachment 166 a, a hexagonal solar attachment 166 b, and an octagonalsolar attachment 166 c.

FIGS. 12A-12C are views of a portable shelter system 176 with powergeneration capabilities comprising a unitary solar attachment 172applied to a tent. The solar attachment 172 connects to a power module174 and is shaped to attach to the top 178 of a tent having a pluralityof poles 180. Preferably, the tent also further comprises one or moretables 182 and the power module 174 is stored underneath the table 182.Although a tent is specifically mentioned, it should be appreciated thatthe present invention could be used with any number of structuresincluding gazebos and pavilions.

FIGS. 13-15F show a variety of applications of solar energy system 200of the present invention applied to other structures. Specifically,FIGS. 13-14 show the present invention applied to awnings. The awningscould be retractable or collapsible and the solar energy system 200 isremovably attached or embedded in the fabric. The system is utilizedwith awnings as used by pools, restaurants, apartment buildings, trucks,boats, or trailers. Specifically, FIGS. 15A-15F show the solar system200 applied to boat awnings and truck awnings, as well as tents,lean-tos, and bunkers.

Referring to FIG. 16, shown is a diagram illustrating variousconfigurations of a third embodiment of the present invention comprisingalternative power generation systems 300 used with wireless devices 302,transducers 304, and/or human electricity harvesting devices 306 (e.g.,by Microchip Technology, Inc.). Wireless devices 302 include Bluetooth,Zigbee, WiFi, WiMax, or other wireless technology, which communicatewith other systems, sensors, or devices. The wireless technology couldbe embedded such as an embedded Zigbee/mesh network (e.g., by EnOcean,Inc.). Further, the alternative power generation system 300 could beused with wireless devices for home automation, such as for use withvideo, architectural features, kitchen appliances, or TV/radio. It isalso contemplated that wireless devices 302 could include those devicescapable of wirelessly transmitting power. The alternative powergeneration system 300 could also be used with embedded LED systems,remote controls, worldwide data, and environmental monitoring systems,such as those that measure rain, air pressure, CO₂, or light.

Further, the alternative power generation system 300 could also be usedwith transducers 304, such as components and/or sensors, which includetechnology related to steady state and scavenged vibration, linearmotion, waste energy, electromagnetic fields, fluid flow fluctuation(such as from rain, tides, waves, or wind turbines), machineoscillations (such as from a car/truck, airplane, or train), andpiezoelectric transducers (such as provided by MicroGen).

Still further, the alternative power generation system 300 could be usedwith human electricity harvesting devices 306 which includethermoelectric generators, electrostatic energy harvesters, conductivebody technology, scalp tapping, mitochondria energy pulsation, hand,feet, and body exercise electrical converter, power skins (includingfabric and paper), and fiber conductive electronic fabrics (EeonyxCorp.). The power skins are formed from printed or laminated multi-layerstructures, as discussed in greater detail below. To the extent anypower can be conducted or generated by the human body, the alternativepower generation system 300 can be used with any electricity harvestingdevice capable of utilizing such power. The alternative power generationsystem 300 can also be used with hand power energy printers to print thecircuit, such as provided by Methode Electronics.

Shown in FIGS. 17A-17D are various depictions of the types of devicesand technology, as discussed above, that can used with the system of thepresent invention including body conductivity, Zigbee communication,piezoelectric disk (e.g., for a guitar pick), and wireless sensornetwork.

Referring to FIGS. 18A-18C, shown are diagrams of a fourth embodiment ofthe present invention, wherein a multi-layered solar power generationdevice 400 is provided. The multi-layered solar power generation device400 could be used in connection with any of the previous embodiments,where the device 400 would provide the same functionality as theflexible solar panel 14 and power module 16. As shown in FIG. 18A, thedevice 400 could comprise a layer of substrate 408 with a first layer406 formed on the substrate including battery electronics therein, asecond layer 404 formed on the first layer and including powerelectronics therein, and a third layer 402 formed on the second layerand including photovoltaic material for generating electricity. Themulti-layered solar power generation device 400 is lightweight and isproduced by layering solar cells, batteries, circuits, and sensors intoa multi-layered, thin device to create an integrated energy deliverysystem. Referring to FIG. 17B, the multi-layered solar power generationdevice 400 could be flexible and wrapped around a tent pole, umbrellastand, human appendage, or other objects. The multi-layered solar powergeneration device 400 could be made into a large scale roll to wraparound building columns, posts, and beams. As referenced in FIG. 17C,the printed power device could be printed using conductive inks (such assilver, copper, or carbon) that can print solar cells, batteries,circuits, and sensors onto plastic slices, paper, curved glass, fabric,or foil, such as provided by Vorbeck Materials. The layers can belaminated individually or laminated together with bi- and tri-laminatesthat comprise layers of moisture resistant translucent film withelectronic connection capabilities embedded in each layer.

Referring to FIGS. 19-20, shown are views of a fifth embodiment of thepresent invention, wherein an energy network system is provided and canbe used with any of the previous embodiments of the present invention.As shown generally in FIG. 20, an energy network system 420 comprises aplurality of flexible solar panels 14 and a plurality of power modules16 in electrical communication with one another by a distribution bus422, which are connected by the modular connection port 26 of the powermodule 16 as discussed above. Such cabling can be carried withincarrying unit 12. Such a network system has the advantage of sharing andallocating power among the various energy systems 10, which isadvantageous if one of the systems 10 malfunctions, if one of theflexible solar panels 14 is temporarily blocked from sunlight, or if onesystem 10 produces more energy than it requires at that time. Referringto FIG. 21, an alternative is to create an energy network system 430where each system of the present invention shares one power module 16,rather than each system having its own power module.

The modular portable energy system, in all of the embodiments disclosedherein, has many applications including recreational activities,military applications, etc. For example, the modular portable energysystem can be attached to trees, tent roofs, cars, or boats, or can beworn over a person's body as a poncho. Moreover, the system could beused to provide energy in situations where a home must be evacuated, orpower has been cut off or disrupted, by a flood, hurricane, tornado,earthquake, or any other disaster situation. It could be used by staffedpersonnel, evacuees, or others to provide energy quickly and effectivelyto power medical equipment, communication equipment, cooking equipment,and/or any other electronic device. Additionally, the system could beused in military applications. For instance, it may be necessary to setup and take down camp quickly and efficiently, especially when inforeign territory, thus requiring an effective means to provide energyto soldiers, officers, or other military personnel to powercommunications equipment, monitoring equipment, personal devices, and/orother electronic devices. To this end, the system could be used withlarge military tents or smaller personal tents. Importantly, the modularportable energy system represents an entirely new platform forgenerating electrical energy with scalability and flexibility toaccommodate the power needs of not only one person, but indeed, entirecommunities of people.

Having thus described the invention in detail, it is to be understoodthat the foregoing description is not intended to limit the spirit orscope thereof. What is desired to be protected is set forth in thefollowing claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An alternative power generation system,comprising: a portable electricity harvesting device for generatingelectrical power; a power unit coupled to said portable electricityharvesting device including circuitry for processing electrical powergenerated by said portable electricity harvesting device and storingsaid electrical power in a battery within said power unit; and aplurality of distribution components in electrical communication withsaid power unit and a plurality of devices to be electrically powered.2. The alternative power generation system of claim 1, furthercomprising a carrying unit to house at least the harvesting device forstorage or transportation.
 3. The alternative power generation system ofclaim 1, further comprising a power skin.
 4. The alternative powergeneration system of claim 1, wherein the power unit is connectable to aplurality of power units.
 5. The alternative power generation system ofclaim 1, further comprising: a layer of substrate; a first layer formedon the substrate and including battery electronics therein; a secondlayer formed on the first layer and including power electronics therein;and a third layer formed on the second layer and including materials forgenerating electricity.
 6. The alternative power generation system ofclaim 5, wherein the first layer, second layer, and third layer arelaminated.
 7. The alternative power generation system of claim 5,wherein the first layer, second layer, and third layer are laminatedwith laminates that comprise layers of moisture resistant translucentfilm with electronic connection capabilities embedded in each layer. 8.The alternative power generation system of claim 5, wherein the firstlayer, second layer, and third layer are printed using conductive inks.9. The alternative power generation system of claim 5, wherein the firstlayer, second layer, and third layer have interstitial wiring inbetween.
 10. The alternative power generation system of claim 1, furthercomprising one or more wireless devices.
 11. The alternative powergeneration system of claim 10, wherein the one or more wireless devicesincludes Bluetooth technology.
 12. The alternative power generationsystem of claim 10, wherein the one or more wireless devices includesZigbee technology.
 13. The alternative power generation system of claim10, wherein the one or more wireless devices includes devices capable ofwirelessly transmitting power.
 14. The alternative power generationsystem of claim 1, wherein the alternative power generation system is inelectrical communication with wireless devices for home automation. 15.The alternative power generation system of claim 1, further comprising amonitoring system.
 16. The alternative power generation system of claim1, further comprising one or more sensors, one or more transducers, andone or more piezoelectric devices.
 17. The alternative power generationsystem of claim 16, wherein the transducers harvest at least one ofsteady state vibration, scavenged vibration, linear motion, wasteenergy, and electromagnetic fields.
 18. The alternative power generationsystem of claim 1, wherein the portable electricity harvesting deviceharvests electricity from a human being.
 19. The alternative powergeneration system of claim 1, wherein the portable electricityharvesting device is in electrical communication with a wireless sensornetwork.
 20. The alternative power generation system of claim 1, whereinthe portable electricity harvesting device can harvest electricity fromone or more systems of the human body.
 21. The alternative powergeneration system of claim 20, wherein the portable electricityharvesting device includes one or more sensors, transducers, orpiezoelectric devices.
 22. The alternative power generation system ofclaim 1, wherein the portable electricity harvesting device harvestselectricity from oscillations and/or vibrations of objects.